This set of twelve short pieces is for basic orchestras and helps young musicians learn important string techniques. The pieces incorporate hissing, slapping of instruments, foot stomping, and improvisation to make playing in a string ensemble more enjoyable.
1. Pickin' 'n' Peckin'
2. Desert Nights
3. War Zone
4. Bagpipes
5. Attack of the Flying Insects
6. Raindrops
7. A Pirate's Shanty
8. Valse Enchante
9. Silk
10. Hootenanny Hoedown
11. Russian Easter Hymn
12. Surf's Up!
For String Orchestra Grade 1
This delightful assortment of twelve brief compositions is tailored specifically for novice orchestras and is an excellent tool for introducing young musicians to a variety of important string techniques. Through these pieces, students learn how to perform bowed tremolo, sustained bows, accented strokes, and simple double stopping while also having the opportunity to experiment with hissing, slapping of instruments, foot stomping, and improvisation. The result is an incredibly engaging and fun-filled experience for young players, who will undoubtedly feel inspired to perform their favourite pieces again and again.
1. Pickin' 'n' Peckin'
2. Desert Nights
3. War Zone
4. Bagpipes
5. Attack of the Flying Insects
6. Raindrops
7. A Pirate's Shanty
8. Valse Enchante
9. Silk
10. Hootenanny Hoedown
11. Russian Easter Hymn
12. Surf's Up!
For String Orchestra Grade 1
After the snowy start, climbers get to work. The fast melody depicts their chiselling on an icy rock face. A calm middle section shows the view from the top before the chiselling continues down. Younger players will love this energetic piece with catchy tunes and strong harmonies.
For String Orchestra Grade 1.5
The Ming Dynasty (1368–1644) was a remarkable period in China’s history, characterised by extensive exploration and the expansion of trade routes to Europe, Africa, and the Indian Ocean, which resulted in a nearly doubled population. The Imperial Court became a hub for the arts, showcasing a diverse range of talents in literature, music, painting, sculpture, and ceramics. Artistic representations often depicted the calming lotus and dynamic horses, symbolising both serenity and strength, while music featured sustained notes and energetic rhythms that echoed these themes.
1. Lotus
2. Imperial Horses
Join the Barcelona party! This piece captures the fun and energy of the Spanish city with catchy rhythms and authentic flavour. Your ensemble will love it.
This music game is excellent for elementary programs, offering imaginative titles like “The Still Before the Storm” and “Fairy Floss”. It teaches students about keys, orchestral textures, and various techniques in an accessible way, promoting an early appreciation of music's tone color.
1. Gekko Echo
2. Still before the Storm
3. Jumpin' Jumbucks
4. Valse Sentimentale
5. Rickshaw Rally
6. Morning Star
7. Fairy Floss
8. March of the Stick Insects
9. Sunset Sarabande
10. Riding the Rapids
11. Hiccups
12. Sleepy Sandman
13. Ostinato Odyssey
14. A Stately Minuet
15. Bubbles
16. Fiddle Stick Fury
For String Orchestra Grade 1
Kakadu National Park is known for its wildlife. One piece depicts sunrise over the water with improvisation. "Twilight Trek," the second piece, conveys a journey of adventure on foot with staccato notes, pizzicato melodies, and sudden fortes.
1. Sunrise at Kakadu
2. Twilight Trek
For String Orchestra Grade 1
Haydn's second symphony in a minor key is a classic Sturm und Drang piece with strong emotional changes. It's great for expanding classical repertoire and practising playing techniques in G minor.
ES 133
Albeniz's piece was originally written for piano, showcasing Spanish passion and brilliance. It alludes to a legend from Asturias, with Moroccan influences. The use of string techniques adds intensity to this haunting work.
It's graded at level 3.5 for string orchestra.
